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Recent reports indicate that 729 Iranian nationals have illegally entered the United States and were released by the Biden administration, raising alarms about potential vulnerabilities in sanctuary cities. Experts caution that these jurisdictions, which obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal immigration enforcement, could become prime targets for Iranian-sponsored terror attacks following U.S. military strikes over the weekend.
The number of Iranian nationals entering the country has steadily increased under the Biden administration. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, Border Patrol agents arrested a total of 1,504 Iranian nationals. Out of this group, 729 were released into the U.S.
Shortly after former President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding military actions against Iranian nuclear sites, the Department of Homeland Security issued a memo warning of a heightened threat environment in the U.S.
This bulletin emphasized that the risk of violent extremism within the homeland could escalate if Iranian leadership called for retaliatory violence against U.S. targets.
Moreover, NBC News reported that Iran transmitted a message to Trump during the G7 summit, suggesting that it could activate sleeper cells to conduct terror attacks on American soil.
According to Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation, it is essential to remain vigilant as the number of identified Iranian immigrants is known, but numerous unknown individuals may have entered the country undetected.
Ries noted that the concerns are particularly significant in sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles, where local policies hinder federal immigration authorities from executing deportations.
She stressed that the Democratic Party should reevaluate its stance on deportations. Contrary to the perception that ICE agents arrest only innocent immigrants, many of those apprehended are serious criminals, or, in some cases, potential terrorists.
The Vulnerability of Hospitals in Sanctuary Cities
Andrew Arthur, an immigration policy expert at the Center for Immigration Studies, classified hospitals in sanctuary jurisdictions as potentially the “ultimate soft target” for terrorist attacks. He referenced Iran’s recent bombing of a hospital in Be’er Sheva, Israel, to illustrate the regime’s willingness to engage in such violent acts.
Arthur pointed out the catastrophic implications an attack on a hospital could have within the U.S. He speculated that hospitals might be more susceptible to terror, calling the notion of a coordinated attack a possibility.
Collaborative Efforts Essential for National Security
To mitigate such threats, Arthur urged federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate closely to monitor and respond to potential dangers.
He expressed optimism that the Director of National Intelligence has insights into future threats, although specific targets remain undisclosed for security reasons. Information should flow down from DHS to state and local law enforcement agencies.
However, Arthur highlighted a significant challenge. Many state and local law enforcement agencies in sanctuary jurisdictions are not cooperating effectively with DHS, which could create vulnerabilities.
This lack of cooperation exacerbates existing risks. Particularly in California, confusion exists among law enforcement about their roles under SB-54, the California Values Act. This ambiguity could potentially lead to increased vulnerabilities.
The Cost of Inaction
Despite concerns about the possibility of an Iranian-sponsored terror attack in the U.S., Arthur characterized such an act as a “suicidal move” for the regime, likely serving as a desperate measure. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the real concern surrounding the potential for Iranian-sponsored violence within American borders.
Attention also should be given to other potential mass casualty targets, such as the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Times Square in New York City, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. These locations attract large crowds, making them prime areas for potential attacks.
Arthur concluded that the threat is genuine, albeit the decision to act on it remains uncertain. He criticized the Biden administration for exposing the nation to an unacceptable level of risk.
In an update on the diplomatic front, Trump announced on social media that an agreement had been reached for a complete and total ceasefire between Israel and Iran for a duration of 12 hours. Following this period, the conflict would be considered over.
